Spanish parents take the education of their children very seriously and the "yearn to learn" among Spanish children is probably stronger in Spain than most other EU states. In recognising this sentiment among parent voters, the government is constantly increasing the education budget. 

The Spanish education system consists of state-funded schools supported by a comprehensive network of private schools, many of which are foreign and include a considerable number of British institutions.

Education in Spain is free, from nursery school through to university and is available for children of foreign residents.  Spanish universities are comparable with any university in Europe many of which offer inter European university exchange programs. 

Information about Spanish schools, both in the state and private sectors, can be obtained from Spanish embassies and consulates abroad and from foreign embassies and educational departments in Spain.

To enroll your child in a Spanish school you will require the following:

• Child's birth certificate or passport with a photocopy and the parent's passports with photocopies.
• Child's health report.
• Proof of residence. Obtain this from the town hall in your locality.
• Two passport-size photographs. One for the student identification card, the other for records.
• If you have a child over the age of 12 whom you wish to place in a Spanish secondary school you will also require proof of homologation, which is the official verification of your child's education record.

In Spain, there is a wide range of private schools. There are: parochial schools; international schools; bilingual schools; American and British schools.  Most are co-educational and between them they educate just over one third of all children in Spain.  Here is a list of popular international schools in North Costa Blanca:

Cambridge House
C/Camarena, s/n Apartado 4, Campo Olivar-Godella, Valencia
C/Pinto Eusaquio Segrelles 7, Montealegre-La Eliana, Valencia
Tel: (+34) 963 637 602 / 961 655 715

Caxton College
Ctra. Barcelona, s/n, 46530 Pucol, Valencia
Tel: (+34) 961 424 500

Lady Elizabeth School
Seniola 70, Javea, 03730, Alicante
Tel: (+34) 965 790 252

Sierra Bernia
La Caneta s/n, San Rafael, 03580, Alfaz del Pi, Alicante
Tel:  (+34) 966 875 149